Analog television is gradually becoming a thing of the past, and instead it is being replaced by the modern digital TV format. For many people, TVs do not support this technology of broadcasting, but they have a way out of this situation: either purchase a more modern model (however, it will be quite expensive), or buy a special digital receiver that will receive a television signal, transcode it and display the existing device.
By themselves, television receivers have been on the market for quite some time, but recently they have gained simply wild popularity, largely due to the transition from analog to digital broadcasting. The advantages of the latter are undeniable for many factors - a higher image quality, clear sound and a number of other features. However, not all people imagine what a receiver is, what elements it consists of, as well as what points you will have to pay attention to when buying it.
It was for them that we wrote this review of the best digital receivers in 2019. Before we begin to consider specific models, let's first look at the main operational qualities of such equipment.
Summary of the rating:
What exactly affects the stable operation of the receiver and the basic rules for choosing a TV tuner
Absolutely all set-top boxes of this type include three fundamental elements - the body of the structure, the board responsible for receiving and processing the signal, and also the remote control. As mentioned earlier, the prefix works according to the following method: a digital signal is received, then it is processed and transcoded to analog and displayed on the TV via RCA or VGA connectors. If the TV has a jack for an HDMI cable, it is easier to connect through it. With the help of such a set-top box, it will be possible to significantly improve the quality of broadcasting, regardless of how modern the TV is.
There are a lot of models on the market, so you should approach the purchase as responsibly as possible. First of all, be sure to pay attention to the types and number of connectors. If the prefix you like does not have a corresponding socket, then it is better to immediately purchase a special adapter. Almost all models broadcast a signal in HD or Full HD formats, there is another definition standard - SDTV, but it has long been recognized as obsolete, and today it is almost never found.
Consoles also have a number of additional features. Modern devices are equipped with a delayed viewing function, you can also record a television broadcast on an external medium that connects to one of the corresponding ports of this set-top box. Standard and inexpensive receivers, as a rule, are not equipped with Internet access, so the signal to them comes either through a remote antenna or via an antenna cable. Nevertheless, there are models that still have access to the network, so access to IPTV is opened. This feature is provided for modern designs that usually work on the Android platform, activate it using a special application.They are connected to the network through a Wi-Fi module or Ethernet jacks.
When choosing digital receivers for inclusion in our rating of the best similar products, we primarily relied on the information given a little earlier. However, here the price-quality ratio of products as well as user reviews were taken into account. We tried to make a review of the models of not too high cost, so that for most readers the products were affordable.
The best digital receivers / TV tuners
10. D-COLOR DC1002HD
The manufacturer of this model has long been engaged in the production of similar devices and is constantly improving its products. Thanks to this, the device fully complies with the latest requirements that consumers place in relation to such products. The prefix is capable of working with the DVB-T and DVB-T2 formats, it has a fairly powerful tuner MaxLinear MXL608. Using this receiver, you can record your favorite TV shows, play content that is on external media. The product software has a built-in media player that works with the most common formats. The warranty period is quite long - it is as much as 2 years.
Due to the installation of a modern combined processor here, the number of radio elements on the board was significantly reduced. Accordingly, she herself became smaller in size, which could not but affect the overall dimensions of the device. In general, the model turned out to be very compact. The base and top panel are made of metal, equipped with slots for access to fresh air. The front panel is made of plastic with a matte finish and glossy inserts. On the front side there is a segmented digital display: in operating mode, the channel number is displayed here, in standby mode - the clock. There are also three physical buttons and a slot for connecting a USB drive. The sockets for connecting to the TV are located at the back - there is an antenna input, image and sound outputs (standard “tulips”) and an HDMI connector.
Benefits:
- Stably enough catches signals;
- Easy to configure and manage;
- Reasonable cost;
- Original and attractive appearance;
- Good workmanship and assembly.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes the picture may hang slightly.
9. HARPER HDT2-1202
A fairly compact product, with which you can easily expand the functional side of your TV. The product is capable of working with DVB-T / T2 formats. An important point is the support of the so-called teletext, there is also a parental control system: it allows you to protect children from watching unwanted TV channels or programs. There is also a composite connector, so the prefix is perfect for quite old TV models, which are already 20 or more years old. The remote control is ergonomically shaped. The location of the buttons is very convenient - they can be reached by a person who has both large and fairly miniature hands. The software interface is very simple, so even a person who has not encountered such products before will be able to figure out how to connect and configure this equipment. It is worth noting that the interface is completely Russified.
If you wish, you can record the transfer to an external medium without losing quality, there is a built-in player that allows you to work with images, music tracks and video files of various quality, extension and duration. This receiver works on the basis of a sufficiently high-speed MSTAR 7T01 processor, which is characterized by decent performance: the set-top box instantly works by pressing a button on the remote control. The device itself is quite compact - 75x118x31 mm with a mass of 350 g.
Benefits:
- Able to receive at least 20 channels and display them on a TV screen in very good quality;
- Very reasonable cost;
- Easy to configure even for a beginner;
- Fully Russified interface;
- There is everything you need to connect to a TV.
Disadvantages:
- Rustic appearance.
8. Selenga HD950D
A digital receiver of this type has a fairly wide functionality for such equipment - there is a pause mode that can be activated directly during the broadcast, the broadcast is recorded on a lined timer. In addition, two USB sockets can be found on the case at once, and both of them are capable of working not only with ordinary flash drives, but also with hard drives. If necessary, a full-fledged Wi-Fi adapter can be connected to the device, which will allow you to watch video from various streaming services, and not just from the signal received by the antenna. The device itself is not too big - the manufacturer could make the case even smaller if it were not for a decent number of connectors located on the back of the device.
To work with modern TVs, there is an HDMI jack, and for outdated products there are analog outputs. The display of the set-top box is digital: it shows either the time or the channel number. It glows quite brightly, so it is better to turn it off at night. The prefix is able to work with most of the most famous audio, video and photo formats. The set-top box menu is quite simple, but convenient and informative - you can quickly find in it which USB connector is involved and what exactly is on it. The remote control is very convenient, and control buttons are also provided on the front panel.
Benefits:
- Good functionality;
- If necessary, you can provide Internet access;
- Works with many formats;
- All programs are shown quite clearly.
Disadvantages:
- When working with some functions, it may freeze for a while;
- There is no reset button, but it is periodically necessary.
7. BBK SMP001HDT2
It is produced in two color options - dark gray and black. The device has compact overall dimensions of 174x158x42 mm and weighs 370 grams, the corners are slightly rounded, which gives the device additional style and attractiveness. On the front panel you can find the LED indicator of work - it glows green when the device is active, and red when it is in standby mode, there is also a USB port. On the back of the unit there is an antenna connector, an HDMI cable jack and three tulip-type connectors. On the bottom panel you can find two rubberized legs and two more legs made of high-quality abrasion resistant plastic. There are also ventilation holes in the cooling system. The single-chip processor Ali M3821, which is characterized by high protection against a wide variety of interference, acts as the main working element. RAM in the receiver 64 MB.
Configuring is pretty easy with the smart InErgo interface. The settings menu is elementary, there is a teletext function, as well as the ability to move channels through the list. The product does not have an external display. If desired, you can adjust the screen brightness, saturation and clarity of the picture. There is a parental control function with various levels of the minimum viewing age - 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 years old, and this restriction will also apply to recorded programs.
Benefits:
- Excellent workmanship;
- Attractive appearance;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Stability and reliability;
- Superb picture quality.
Disadvantages:
- Ergonomics of the remote control are poorly thought out.
6. Oriel 421
This model is characterized by increased functionality, in particular, it is able to work with DVB-T2 / T / C standards. She has all the necessary features that provide ease of use - a program guide, recording timer, teletext, parental control and so on. Like most consoles included in our review, there is a built-in multimedia player with which the user can listen to music, watch movies, photos and so on.The device has two USB ports, and in one of them you can place a Wi-Fi adapter, but it is not supplied, it will have to be purchased separately. When connected to the Internet, the owner opens up a number of additional features. In particular, he can watch channels related to Internet television, use various hosting services like YouTube and the like.
The receiver has a built-in power supply that produces a voltage of 5 V, it works on the basis of the latest generation processor GX3235S. It is capable of working with the high definition format Full HD. The device fully supports the Russian language, which greatly facilitates its setup. Channel search is performed automatically. Depending on the size of the display, you can change the aspect ratio of the picture.
Benefits:
- Original Learning Remote;
- Ability to work with an expanded number of standards;
- Easy to set up;
- There is the possibility of access to the Internet.
Disadvantages:
- If you connect external devices to two USB ports at the same time, a conflict can arise between them.
5. Selenga T42D
Despite the not too remarkable appearance (the products look almost the same on all sides), the device has a very wide functionality that allows you to use it not only in urban conditions, but even in summer cottages or in rural areas. The set-top box is designed specifically for working with terrestrial television, the broadcast of which is carried out in the DVB-T2 MultiPLP and DVB-C standard, and the cable TV is the last format used. The overall dimensions are small, however, this is largely ensured by the presence of an external power supply unit, which produces a current of about 2A. Another important feature that users of the device note is the support of AC3 multichannel sound - in this format, almost all television programs are broadcast today. The media player of the device supports Full HD format, it is able to work with all widespread formats.
If desired, you can record the broadcast to an external USB, there is also a delayed viewing function, there is parental control. The remote control is placed in a plastic case, which has a slightly rough surface, does not slip out of hands, all buttons can be easily reached. The case has significant perforation, so it will not overheat even during continuous operation. On the front panel of the product there are four physical control buttons, a USB port and a digital display.
Benefits:
- It catches a very large number of channels, and in excellent quality;
- Compact size;
- Ease of handling;
- Reasonable cost;
- If desired, you can provide Internet access;
- There are all the necessary sockets and connectors.
Disadvantages:
- Inconvenient search on YouTube hosting.
4. World Vision T62A
Included with this receiver is a 3RCA-3RCA cable (the official name for the Tulip type connector), if you want to connect products to the TV via an HDMI cable, you will have to buy it separately. It is not necessary to study the instructions at all, the user will be able to figure out how to configure and use the products on their own. The control panel has a plastic case with high ergonomic characteristics, in addition, it is a learner. The main unit is made of high-quality perforated metal, which facilitates the removal of excess heat, and also significantly extends the service life. The display here is digital, seven-segment, it will show either the channel numbers or the current time. Directly on the case itself there are immediately seven buttons made of corrugated plastic.
On the back there is a standard set of connectors. The model has only three supported languages - English, Russian and Ukrainian. There is an electronic TV guide that displays the current program guide not only on the active channel, but also on six - the three closest in each direction.If necessary, you can activate the timer on, off or start recording, so you can’t miss a favorite program.
Benefits:
- The quite affordable cost of the device;
- A wide selection of additional features;
- The signal holds very stable - the picture is quite clear;
- There are many features when connecting to the Internet.
Disadvantages:
- Unable to update software online;
- Due to the built-in power supply, the case is quite hot.
3. LUMAX DV-2108HD
In third place is the prefix, which appeared on sale at the very beginning of this year. She immediately gained great popularity among consumers. In terms of appearance, nothing special can be noted here except for a not too bright display, which allows you to install the console even in the bedroom. The backlight itself is greenish. It is capable of working with the only on-air digital broadcasting format DVB-T2, however, it is quite enough to stably catch at least 20 channels even in rural areas. However, it also has the ability to catch digital cable television - for this, the DVB-C module is provided. There is a multimedia player that supports almost all known formats, there are several built-in games, IP playlists, a virtual MEGOGO cinema and a LUMAX cinema. Together, this allows you to get a very wide functionality of the device.
In terms of sound quality, there is support for Dolby Digital 5.1, the menu is fully Russified, understandable even to not too experienced users. The remote control has a small size, but it’s very convenient, it won’t slip out of your hands. His signal is quite powerful - he does not have to aim at the console. If desired, you can connect the Wi-Fi module, an adapter, like most models in the kit, is not.
Benefits:
- Warranty period is 2 years;
- Ability to work with various signal sources;
- The remote control has a ZOOM function and several programmable buttons;
- Stably catches a large number of channels of ether and cable type;
- Not too bright, but quite readable backlight.
Disadvantages:
- Unremarkable appearance.
2. Galaxy Innovations Uni 2
This model appeared on store shelves about a year ago, it runs on the Android operating system, which allows you to use the resources of the Play Market online store, where you can find a large number of entertaining and useful applications, both paid and free. The device is based on a high-speed quad-core processor. By and large, this prefix can be considered not a receiver, but a full-fledged multimedia device, which is also characterized by a quite reasonable price. There are no physical buttons on the front panel of the product, there is only a digital display and an LED operation indicator. On the back there are antenna inputs and outputs, an output for connecting a digital audio channel, an AV output for working with outdated TV models. The power supply is external.
The remote control has decent overall dimensions and carefully thought-out ergonomics. The processor during operation will not heat up much due to the original forced-type cooling system. The model menu is quite typical for devices running on a similar platform. All inscriptions are quite large, read with ease. The initial setup is elementary, it is quite simple to search for channels. If the user knows the broadcast frequencies of the programs of interest to him, then he can enter them manually.
Benefits:
- Original products combining the capabilities of a receiver and a media player;
- Management is carried out only from the remote control;
- Works well with almost all extensions;
- No slowdowns were detected when working with online content;
- Channels switch almost instantly;
- The menu is fast and stable;
- Superior output quality.
Disadvantages:
- Pre-installed applications in the firmware do not work, you have to download them again.
1. BBK SMP240HDT2
Finally, we got to the leader of our rating. The model has not too large overall dimensions - 132x117x32 mm, it is placed in a metal case, which is painted with black paint with a matte finish - it will not be visible to any kind of dirt, fingerprints and other traces. The front side is made of glossy plastic, there is an indicator of the operating mode, USB 2.0 input, a sensor for receiving infrared rays from the remote control. Products can work with DVB-T and DVB-T2 standards, image quality can reach Full HD 1080p. There are several physical buttons on the front side - turning on, calling up the menu and switching channels. They are quite tight when pressed and emit a distinctive click. Ventilation holes are located on all faces, except the front. It is very important to ensure that they are not blocked, otherwise this will lead to strong heating of the housing during operation and a reduction in the period of its operation.
The remote control has not too large dimensions, the buttons are compact, so in order to immediately get to the right one, you have to practice. The menu is very clear, fully translated into Russian. When performing an automatic search, the device catches not only television channels, but also radio stations. There is a media player that works with many widespread formats. Through a USB connector, you can connect a USB flash drive or hard drive, the volume of which does not exceed 500 GB.
Benefits:
- An external power supply is not provided;
- When removed from the packaging does not emit odors;
- It works pretty fast;
- Metal case;
- It operates on the basis of a modern processor.
Disadvantages:
- The buttons on the remote are small in size.
Finally, a useful video
The rating of the best digital receivers is over. For each of the presented models, we tried to collect as much information as possible so that you can choose the best products for yourself, depending on the available TV and connection conditions. If you still have some questions, feel free to ask us in the comments - we will respond to each comment as quickly as possible and provide you with all the additional information that interests you.
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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